[09-19-2023] Napa County, CA – Unidentified Motorcyclist Killed Following Dump Truck Collision Near Lake Berryessa

An unidentified motorcyclist was killed after colliding with a dump truck near Lake Berryessa, Napa County, on Tuesday afternoon, September 19, 2023.

According to California Highway Patrol spokesperson Gary T., the incident occurred on Highway 128, east of Wragg Canyon Road, shortly before 2:39 p.m.

Authorities reported that the motorcycle was heading west on the highway while the dump truck was traveling east. The bike crossed the double yellow center lines for unknown reasons and collided with the truck’s left side, throwing the rider to the pavement.

The rider suffered life-threatening injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. Officials said alcohol and drugs were not suspected to be a factor in the collision.

An investigation is underway to determine what caused the crash.

Dedicated Big Rig Accident Lawyers in Lake Berryessa, Napa County

Truck accidents can be severe physically, emotionally, and financially. In such unfortunate situations, legal representation is necessary for protecting your rights and receiving maximum compensation.

For decades, our seasoned legal team has assisted truck accident victims with great success. You can count on us to assist you in obtaining the rightful compensation you deserve.

You can rely on our most trusted Napa County truck accident lawyers at Arash Law, under Arash Khorsandi, Esq. ‘s direction, to help you with your insurance claim or effectively represent you in court proceedings.

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If you want to speak with one of our lawyers, please call (888) 488-1391 or fill out the “Do I Have a Case?” form.

What to Do After A Truck Accident in California

After a truck accident, it is essential to remain on the scene and wait for the authorities and medical personnel to arrive. Move the vehicle off the road if possible. Then, after gathering evidence to support filing a truck accident claim, make sure to inform your insurance provider and contact one of our award-winning California truck accident lawyers.

1. Do not leave the scene and call the police right away. The police’s duties at the scene of an accident include directing traffic, clearing the scene of debris, and assisting any injured parties. As a neutral party, their investigation reports add credibility to your case and will prove negligence.The California Vehicle Code also requires drivers to report accidents involving death or injury within 24 hours. Don’t admit fault or guilt, but cooperate fully with law enforcement. Lastly, stay at the scene until instructed otherwise to avoid legal repercussions.
2. Contact emergency responders and immediately seek medical attention. Even if you think you were uninjured after a truck accident, let the emergency personnel examine you. You may be unable to assess the full extent of your injuries due to adrenaline rush and shock. Some injuries may even appear days later. Only a medical examination can detect health issues before they become noticeable.Records of medical visits, diagnosis, treatment, medications, and related expenses are valuable for building a strong case. Insurance companies and courts could assume the victims weren’t really harmed if they didn’t seek medical attention. This leads to inadequate compensation. So make sure you keep all of them.
3. Move vehicles to the shoulder of the road if possible. Truck accidents almost always cause obstruction on the road, leading to traffic congestion. If possible and safe, after documenting the scene by taking pictures and videos, move your vehicle to the shoulder and turn on your hazard lights to alert other motorists. Further accidents can be prevented with this.In some cases, including severe damages and injuries, or when instructed otherwise by law enforcement, moving the vehicles may not be possible or safe. Follow the instructions of emergency responders in these situations.

At this point, you may not be considering filing a truck accident claim, as ensuring your safety and that of others is paramount. Still, it is vital to know the steps in filing a claim and to go through with it as soon as possible.

I HAD AN ACCIDENT

Fatal Truck Accident Statistics

Large truck crashes caused 4,714 deaths in 2021, an increase of 17% from 2020. Truck occupants accounted for 16% of these deaths, cars and other passenger vehicles accounted for 68%, and pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists made up 15%.

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the number of people who died in large truck crashes was 50% higher in 2021 than in 2009. The number of truck occupants who died was 68% higher than in 2009.

Loss of control of the truck, a tire blowout, excessive speed, lane drifting, improper truck maneuvering, and driver fatigue all contribute to truck accidents.